Single SEND Forecast Data Document

In May 2022, we finalised our first Single SEND Forecast Data Document (PDF, 441KB), building on data analysis work previously undertaken for our former Access to SEND Services Framework and other documents.

This single data document is designed to provide a joined up and systematic annual approach to understanding and forecasting levels of demand on Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) services, and specifically Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and EHC Plans, in Cheshire East.

The findings from this data will be used to inform a variety of strategic plans as well as operational planning around staffing etc. to ensure that we plan and deliver our services in the most efficient and effective ways to meet the needs of our children and young people with SEND.

We intend to update this single forecast annually as part of a regular forecasting process. This document will be updated with the most recent figures from our updated Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Management Plan in Autumn 2022, and annual updates will therefore be scheduled for sharing in the Autumn in each year going forward.

This document is our first attempt at bringing multiple data sources together into a single shared forecast document of this format, and as such, we have already identified a number of areas of data that we would like to explore further in order to include more detailed information in future iterations of this document. We envisage that this will document will evolve with each refresh. Future areas for further exploration include early years, health, care and potential transport needs, amongst others.